Chicago’s largest companies have historically accounted for most of this group’s members, who network through programs, committees and speaker events.

“Medium- and small-sized organizations are represented if their management team is sponsored by existing members,” according to Club President and CEO Melissa Bean.

She added that entrepreneurs and so-called “intrapreneurs” make up a faster-growing portion of the membership. “Where we fit for those is after proof of concept, when they’re ready to start networking with the broader business community,” she said.

Entrepreneurs participate mainly through the club's Leadership Circle, a mentorship group of about 100 “high potential” executives under age 40. It will host a panel discussion on “collective entrepreneurial creativity” on April 24 with speakers including Match.com CEO Sam Yagan, 1871 CEO Howard Tullman and Impact Engine Managing Director Chuck Templeton, who the club named its “Innovator of the Year” last year.

The club also holds innovation-focused events, including one in January on wearable technology, through its Innovation Council. “We don't believe innovation only happens at startups,” Bean said.